country blog – Crafted in Carhartt

Vision Farms

The Alpern family established Vision Farms in 1999 in El Paso, Texas. They expanded the original 12 acres to 160, and made the entire property organic. The Alperns produce alfalfa, cotton, or wheat according to their rotation. Diversity of daily chores is a major plus for everyone involved. With an extensive plot of land and assortment of animals, responsibilities ebb and flow at different times.

The venture is a family affair. Laura Alpern, the matriach of the bunch, makes sure everything is in order at all times–from their Quarter Horse breeding program, to crop yields, to management. Her advice for new farmers :

“Keep really good records and cultivate your suppliers and friends. There will be an abundance of time when you will be leaning on them and vice versa. Do your homework before you start, and ask advice from every person that you can.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

“I grew up in New York City, and from the moment I spent a summer on a working cattle ranch at age 12, I knew it was the life I wanted. The work is hard, and goes on in the cold of winter and the blistering heat of El Paso summers, but the rewards are there. We have been so fortunate to have met the farmers around us. Everything thing is done with a hand shake and we have never been disappointed.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt — Farmer Laura Alpern

“I love the seasons. Each is beautiful in its own way from planting in the spring to weeding to harvest. Additionally foaling season is the best of all. Watching that foal take her first breathe and struggle to her first step is magical. I am so happy that my children could experience farm life style. Our daughter is now an equine veterinarian and is caring on her mother’s torch for horses.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

“There has never been a time in my life without an animal in it that needed to be cared for and tended to. I have my parents to thank for instilling this level of responsibility in my upbringing. I remember going out to the farm in my prom dress with my mother to make sure the mare who was about to foal was prepped for her new arrival. I want my own boys feel responsible to the environment beyond themselves, and having a relationship with the family farm is a great way to do that. ” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

“My husband and I want our boys to respect animals, understand their language beyond the friendly, family dog and recognize dangerous situations. Having fun with animals is important, but understanding a deeper layer of animal language will keep them safer.” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

“El Paso is our chosen home. We toured the country to decide where we would like to live and El Paso won, hands down. We are a bi-lingual city so our children speak both English and Spanish. Much to many peoples surprise we are the safest city of our size in the US. I love the desert climate, and let’s not forget the most amazing Mexican food ever.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Alana Alpern runs her practice, Blue Heron Equine, Inc., out of her truck that’s a moving hospital. She treats horses for western and eastern medicine and dogs and cats for exclusively eastern medicine.

“Know the true costs of becoming a veterinarian both financially and emotionally. Do this by spending time in more difficult moments under a mentor and doing your homework on the cost of education.” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

Rancher Trina Cramer

Trina’s heritage is deeply rooted in the tightly knit Californian farming community she calls home. Raising cattle, pigs, chickens, rabbits, cows, and horses on a farm that’s been in her husband’s family for 100 years. Ask her what makes her most proud, and Trina’s quick to tell you all about her organic pork and farm fresh eggs. But what truly makes this mama bear beam from ear-to- ear, is the joy she takes in watching just how naturally her son Jaden’s taken to farm life. Still only 12, Jaden’s already begun raising his own herd of cattle. And nothing could make this hardworking Carhartt mom feel any prouder than seeing that.

Trina Cramer / Fort Jones Rancher / Crafted in Carhartt

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today we’re saluting ranching mom, Mary Heffernan.

Life changed drastically for the Heffernan’s when they left Silicon Valley to run a farm in Northern California. Mary, Brian, and their 4 daughters also named Mary, now run this beautiful plot of land in Fort Jones, selling their meat locally and online across the nation.

“Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to have so many animals in our care. There are no days off in ranching. When we first started doing this I was struggling to find time to get all the chores on the ranch done and still get to the household chores like laundry and cleaning AND cook a good dinner for my family every night. I was worried about having enough time for the girls too. But what I quickly learned was that they could step up to the plate and help with all of these chores and tasks – and we’d be spending all of our time working together as a result. It’s a lot of work around here, but it’s a pretty great life doing all of it together.” –Mary Heffernan

Now let me introduce you to the younger 4 Marys:

MaryFrances, or Francie, is the oldest at 9. She loves dogs, looking after all the animals, and reading books. MaryMarjorie, or Maisie, is 8 years old. You’ll often find her following her dad around the ranch, helping out in any way she can. MaryJane, or JJ, is a fashion-fashion-forward-6-year-old fireball. While sweet little MaryTeresa, also called Tessa or Tiny, is a perpetually happy 4-year-old with a giant smile on her face and typically a tiny animal tucked away in her arms.

I’ll leave you with a word of advice from Mary about being a mom:

“The more you expect from your children, the more capable they become. Letting them solve problems on their own and have some independence is the best gift you can give them.” –Mary Heffernan

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Zeeland Sandstone Bib

The Zeeland Bib is Crafted with Carhartt durability and cozy comfort. Designed to accommodate knee pads and all your essentials, this is the bib for those dirty-kneed, frigid days at the office.

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Behind the Scenes at the Ranch Rodeo in Loveland, CO

Take a look at what a team of strong women can accomplish together. Wild ‘N’ Wooly won 4th in the average at the 11th annual WRRA finals!

Happy Father’s Day!

This one goes out to all the Dads. Thank you for all that you do–for showing us how strong we can be and always reminding us to have fun. Life wouldn’t be the same without you. We wouldn’t be the same without you.

Michigan Horse Breeders, Rosanne and Hannah

Rosanne and her daughter, Hannah, breed horses in Michigan. This tight knit family spends tons of time together caring for animals in the great outdoors. How do you spend time with your family? Share your story with us at craftedincarhartt@carhartt.com.

Moments Before the Rodeo

There is a side to rodeos that many don’t know about. It’s the quiet moments before the competition. Be it sharing a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll with your teammates or giving your daughter a tight squeeze as the hubbub slowly begins. Each one is a sweet slice of life that makes you feel an itch of nostalgia and a yearning for the next ride.